Women revving up for wheels event out west

Mille Vitasovich sits with one of three 2009 Ford Mustang Black Widow cars (left) and the 1973 Mach 1 Mustang. Photo / Greg Bowker

Women riding in style are being encouraged to show off their goods at a new car show being put on in a bid to help women's health.

The inaugural Women With Wheels Car Show is being held at the Kumeu Showgrounds, in West Auckland, tomorrow. The event has been organised by the Ranui Swanson Lions Club and invites exhibitors to showcase their vehicles to the paying public. All funds raised will go to a number of charities helping in women's health.

"As Westies, we are putting this show on for all the ladies of New Zealand to show the men what their cars mean to them,'' the club said.

"We are well aware how the ladies of New Zealand love their motor vehicles. This will be their day to show off and talk all about what is under the hood.''

Club spokeswoman Mille Vitasovich said the show was about highlighting just how much interest there was among women when it came to cars.

The event was also about raising awareness surrounding women's health and the show was effectively about women helping women.

"A lot of women have got nice cars and they never get the recognition like men do.

"We're donating all the money for women's health - from mental illness, to women's refuge, breast cancer, cervical cancer. Every dollar we make is all going to charity. Every single cent.

Photo / Greg Bowker

"We're giving every single cent to the charities."

Vitasovich, whose family owns the well-known Landmark Estate Wines and Vineyard in Henderson, said her own family would be showing a number of vehicle tomorrow, including a Black Widow Mustang.

She will also be showing her Holden Commodore SV6 2016.

"The colour is called 'Some like it hot','' she says proudly.

"I was going to put that on my number plate - I came that close to getting that and then I thought: 'What if I get a risky guy behind me that wants to play with someone hot?' I'm old. I don't have the energy,'' she says, laughing.

"Our family all love everything that's got a bit of a grunt to it.''

Vitasovich said although the event was being pitched to women exhibitors, they would not be turning away any men who may turn up wanting to take part.

She said at the end of the day, the show was a community event which invited people to come and take part while also giving back to the community.

"We're not doing it to raise money for a hot rod club.

"My late mum said: 'You've got to give back in life. You can't just take'."

**The event will be at the Kumeu Showgrounds on Access Rd, 10am to 4pm. All ages. Under fives are free, adults $10, students $5 and families $25.